Lithuania
Thank you for your insights on how minorities enrich cultural life and advance development of
societies. Constitution of Lithuania protects the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and the
fundamental rights of all persons. Our democracy is strengthened by its diversity, and our laws aim
to build a just and open society for everyone. Last year, the new law on national minorities was
adopted in our country. This comprehensive legislation establishes the rights, freedoms, and
obligations essential for maintaining and fostering the traditions, customs, cultural, and linguistic
identity of minorities. The law affirms the right to receive education in the language of the national
minority in schools. Lithuania also promotes cultural language identity by providing extra state
funding and support to 34 Sunday schools. This non-formal education reached more than 1,000
children of 16 nationalities in 2024. Enabling them to preserve their mother tongue and traditions.
Support for cultural preservation is provided by the Department of National Minorities under the
Government of Lithuania. Furthermore, our legislation guarantees freedom of religion and belief.
There are 189 registered religious communities and associations in Lithuania. Of these, nine religious
communities are officially recognized as historic and traditional, receiving state support. In
conclusion, new law on national minorities and direct investment in cultural and linguistic education
demonstrate Lithuania's respect for multicultural and multi-confessional coexistence. We will
continue to promote and defend these principles internally and in our external relations, particularly
as we observe constraints on the rights of persons of Lithuanian minority in our close neighborhood.
We urge every country to recognize the valuable contribution of minorities to the cohesion of
society. Thank you.